System and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaces

ABSTRACT

A method, system and tool for decorating vertical surfaces comprising the steps of providing a medium comprised of cement, a light weight aggregate, silica sand, fused silica, monofilament fine denier fiber, liquid polymer resin, and water; applying a bond coat of a primer made from concentrated liquid polymer to the vertical surface; allowing the bond coat to become tacky; applying the medium to the bond coat on the vertical surface; allowing the medium to set forming a scratch coat; applying a liquid release agent to the scratch coat; applying the medium over the liquid release agent; and decorating the medium on the vertical surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/981,886, filed on Nov. 5, 2004, currently pending, and whichclaims priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/520,153filed on Nov. 14, 2003, and incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to decorative shaping ofgenerally vertical surfaces. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a new and improved system and method for decorating concretesurfaces by generally applying a concrete medium to a vertical surface,producing a texture on the medium, and forming or cutting patterns onthe textured medium. It is understood that the invention is neitherlimited to vertical surfaces nor use of concrete base as a deformabledecorative medium. Likewise, the invention may include new and improvedcompositions such as but not limited to a decorative medium as well asapparatus such as but not limited to a template.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Concrete has been and continues to grow in versatility as not only a manmade surface, but also as a canvas or template for decorations. It isnow common that typically concrete surfaces such as driveways,sidewalks, and floors utilize decorative features that may simulate laidnaturally found objects like stones and tiles as well as man madeobjects like bricks. It is also known to add dimensional characteristicssuch as grout lines, texturing, shapes, designs and so forth.

There are many advantages to altering the appearance of concrete tosimulate other material. Generally, the material being simulated is morecostly. Thus, by using a surface shaping stamp on concrete, the look ofanother material is achieved at a much lower cost. Also, concretecreates a very durable and stable surface that can be easily maintained.Other advantages to the use of concrete over other materials will beapparent to one of skill in the art.

Hence, it is known to decorate a poured horizontal concrete surface thatmay have the same or near same visual features as inlaid stones, brickor cobblestone to name a very few decorations. And whereas it is knownto do such, what is not common is to create the same type of decorationson vertical surfaces such as walls, fences, pillars and the like. It isoften if not always a different function to decorate a generallyhorizontal surface where weight may be generally and uniformly supportedas opposed to a surface that is generally vertical in nature wherein theweight of the added medium may create technical issues for stability,durability, and decorative options.

Because of the limitations of the prior art mediums, there is currentlya need for an improved deformable material and method for using in thedecorating industry. In particular, there is a need for an improvedmaterial and method of using that is lighter weight, durable, and easilydecorated for use with generally vertical surfaces.

Tools for forming decorative patterns in concrete are widely used in theindustry. Most commonly, surface shaping tools are used for aestheticpurposes. In the known art, several apparatus and methods are used tocreate decorative features on the desired surface. These tools may beelaborate and intricate design stamps made from resin or simple handtools used to carve lines and features in the surface. They can be usedto shape concrete surfaces to imitate the appearance of other materialssuch as cobblestone, brick, slate, stone, tile or wood. Surface shapingtools can also be used to form customized designs or to imprint atrademark or insignia. A variety of concrete surfaces can be alteredwith surface shaping tools, including sidewalks, driveways, patios,walls, and interior floors.

The prior art of concrete surface shaping tools can be divided into twogeneral groups. The first includes tools that are used to createrepeating and uniform patterns.

The second group includes tools that are used to create non-repeatingpatterns. One problem with using tools of the type that form repeatingpatterns is that they must be placed in an exact fashion and alignmentto avoid overlapping an adjacent tool or imprint. Creating adequatealignment requires skill, training and additional tools. A secondproblem with tools of the repeating pattern type, such as preformedresin stamps, is that they frequently need cleaning due to the adherenceor sticking of medium to the stamp.

Because of the limitations of the prior art devices, there is currentlya need for an improved tool and method for forming designs in thesurface of a deformable material. In particular, there is a need for animproved tool and method for forming customized designs and decorativesurfaces in concrete of varying size and shape in an easy-to-use andinexpensive way. Still furthermore, there is a need for a tool that mayprovide the flexibility or option to combine repeating uniform patternswith a mixture of generally non-repeating patterns.

Of note, the invention is not necessarily directed strictly to concreteapplications and the used terminology should not be considered limiting.Likewise, the current invention is not limited to vertical wall typesurfaces known in the art. It is further understood and contemplatedthat the current invention may be used in association with items such asbut not limited to forming other shapes on generally non-flat surfacessuch as but not limited to man made or naturally occurring boulders.

The current industry is constantly looking for effective, durable, anduniquely decorated surfaces systems and methods for implementation ofsame. Thus, there is a need for a new and improved composition,apparatus, system, and method of use as outlined. The current inventionprovides an inexpensive vertical decoration and time saving device,method for making, and system where the prior art fails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofdecorative concrete systems of use and methods of making now present inthe prior art, the present invention provides a convenient, easily used,and durable decorating system. As such, the general purpose of thepresent invention, which will be described subsequently in greaterdetail, is to provide a new and improved system and method fordecorating vertical surfaces with a generally concrete medium which hasall the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

To attain such, the invention may include a new and improved templatethat may act as a “cookie” cutter, stamp, form, or die that may createnaturally or unnaturally occurring patterns, imprint, designs, images,or demarcations in or on a prepared surface for decorative enhancements.In a preferred embodiment, the cutter is made from metal and generallyshaped to create non-recurring or recurring and fairly random patternsthat may simulate tile, stacked brick, stone, and so forth by creatingdemarcations such as grout line decorations.

Further the invention may include the method and/or system of preparinga surface to be decorated. As such, a medium is prepared that mayinclude a preferred embodiment using a formulation of a lightweightconcrete base generally comprising cement, coated crushed mica, silicasand, silica flour, fiber and so forth. The invention may still beconsidered to include a new and improved medium for vertical decorativesurfaces also.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention essentiallycomprises a new and improved method of creating a decorative verticalsurface by generally preparing a medium, applying said medium to asurface, texturing the medium, then creating demarcations such as butnot limited to grout lines.

Still furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a systemgenerally comprising the aforementioned is contemplated. It isunderstood that the system may encompass all the aforementioned, some ofthe aforementioned, or combinations thereof.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in this application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily beutilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, andsystems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as includingsuch equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially theengineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patentor legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursoryinspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of theapplication. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention ofthe application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended tobe limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved system and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaces.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved system and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaceswhich is of a durable and reliable construction and may be easily andefficiently applied, manufactured, and marketed.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved system and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaceswhich is susceptible to a low cost of application with regard to bothmaterials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible to lowprices of sale to the consuming industry, thereby making such inventioneconomically available to those in the industry.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved system and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaceswhich provides all of the advantages of the prior art, whilesimultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associatedtherewith.

While still another object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved system and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaceswhich allows for a unique and generally non recurring pattern in asurface.

It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved system and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaceswhich may provides a lighter weight medium which may be applied toindoor and outdoor surfaces such as but not limited to wood, tile,slate, wallboard, brick, stucco and other commonly and uncommonly foundvertical surfaces.

Furthermore, it is a further object of the present invention is toprovide a new and improved lighter weight concrete based medium that maybe used to form generally flat structures and surfaces and also to nonflat dimensional objects and surfaces.

Still furthermore, it is a further object of the present invention is toprovide a new and improved template, form, die, cutter, or stamp thatmay be utilized to create decorative surface features such as groutlines, demarcations, edging, shapes, forms and so forth.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved system and method for decorating surfaces which may be nonvertical surfaces and non flat surfaces such as but not limited toartificial boulders, trees, landmarks, fences, pillars, and so forth.

These, together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

The present invention referred to throughout may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, each ofthe methods that have been described should also be considered only asillustrative and not restrictive. In particular, it should beappreciated that the present invention can be used to form variousdesigns in various deformable materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS GRAPHS, DRAWINGS, ANDAPPENDICES

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed pictorial illustrations, graphs, drawings, drawings,exhibits and appendices wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventiondepicting a template or stamp.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the inventiondepicting a template or stamp.

FIG. 3 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a vertical surface with medium applied and a templateor stamp.

FIG. 4 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a template or stamp generally applied to a medium on avertical surface.

FIG. 5 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a template or stamp being removed from a medium on avertical surface leaving a desired design, pattern or imprint.

FIG. 6 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a desired design, pattern, or imprint on a verticalsurface medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings and to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 in particular,reference character 10 generally designates a tool, system, kit, mediumand method of using the same. The current invention may be classified asa kit, tool, system, method, apparatus, composition and/or combinationsthereof. The following detailed description does not define any aspectin a particular order of importance but rather attempts to organize thefollowing for convenience only.

The material or medium is a custom, light-weight concrete material thatcan be applied up to three inches thick and stamped within minutes afterit is laid on. This may achieve the deep texture normally associatedwith decorative flatwork—on fences, interior or exterior walls, pillars,etc. One element to the invention is the light weight nature of thematerial while another is the highly concentrated polymer. Laid on thicklike plaster, the material or medium bonds to wall board, plaster, drywall, paneling, brick, stone, existing concrete and so forth. Unlessthere are extreme defects in the surface, such as large holes or cracks,no additional reinforcement is necessary.

The material or medium may be applied using a hawk and trowel. Unlikeregular concrete, troweling the surface may not be necessary. The mediumis ready to stamp immediately after laying it. Touch-up and detail workmay be performed the next day using carving tools.

Stamping, decorating, or creation of demarcations of vertical surfacesmay call for special stamps, template and the like. In a preferredembodiment, smaller sized and additional tools for stamping single rowsand corners may be utilized. This generally offers flexibility forstamping vertical surfaces as well as deeper texturing.

Template

Referring again to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements, in a preferred embodiment, invention 10 may include a, stamp,template, or tool 20. It is understood that the following should not beconsidered limiting to a particularly shaped embodiment. The presentinvention provides an improved tool 20 and method for forming customizeddesigns and decorative demarcations in concrete surfaces of varyingsizes and shapes in an easy-to-use and inexpensive way. The tool 20 is astamp comprising a frame 30 having a smooth contact surface 40. It ispreferable that the sides of the tool 20 comprise measurement markingsthat can also be used as a reference for placement. It is alsopreferable that the tool 20 have at least one handle 50 to facilitateplacement and movement.

The shape of the frame 30 can vary, but it is preferred that the frame30 have substantially right angles shapes so that the tool 20 can formdesigns in a surface having a somewhat irregular and regular appearance.One feature of invention 10 is that it allows a single tool 20 to form adesign in a concrete surface by forming a single continuous recessconsisting of multiple adjoining recesses within a regular orirregularly shaped area such as found in stacked or tiled materials.

An additional feature of the invention 10 is that it allows a variablyselectable depth to be formed in a concrete surface having a regular orirregular shaped area. A further feature of the invention 10 is that itallows different patterns to be placed adjacently and interchangeablywhile forming a design pattern in a concrete surface having a regular orirregular shape.

Another feature of this invention is that it allows two adjoining stampsto be angularly offset within a range of angles to create a singlecontinuous design imprint without overlapping or interfering with thedesign imprint formed by the alternate stamp. Yet another feature ofthis invention is that it allows a design to be formed in the surface ofdeformable materials other than concrete, such as asphalt and plasters.Tool 20 or template may be constructed from metal, plastic, wood orother materials generally durable materials in the art.

In a preferred construction, tool 20, generally pictured in FIG. 1, maybe utilized. It is understood that this shape and configuration is forillustrative purposes and the invention is not limited to the same.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a tool for creatingdesigns in a vertical concrete surface may comprise an imprintingpattern means for creating non repeating, right angled, squares andrectangles; a frame attached to said imprinting pattern; and at leastone handle attached to said frame. The frame may be made from metal, theimprinting pattern may be made from metal and at least one handle may beparallel to the frame.

Medium

In a preferred embodiment, the invention 10 may include a medium 60formed from a compound or composition. It is understood that elements ofthe invention 10 may be used with known or conventional deformablematerials or mediums.

An example of a preferred construction of an embodiment of medium 60 maygenerally include or comprise cement, a light weight aggregate, silicasand, fused silica or silica flour, and a monofilament fine denierfiber. It is further contemplated that the medium 60 may include acoloring material or generally use a colored cement such as a white orgrey Portland cement. It is understood that other types and styles ofcement may be used.

In a preferred construction a light weight aggregate may be included.The aggregate may be but is not limited to a crushed coated mica. It iscontemplated that an aggregate sold under the trademark ZONALITE orZONOLITE may be used. As described by the manufacturer, ZONOLITE is afree-flowing, drainable vermiculite insulation specially treated forwater repellency and used to insulate masonry wall cores and cavities.It also increases the fire resistance rating and Sound TransmissionClassification (STC) of the wall system. It is lightweight, non-toxicand non-flammable.

The medium 60 may also comprise silica sand such as but not limited to40/140 silica sand. In the known field, the industrial silica sandmarket is broadly divided into three segments of ungrounded silica sandsof lower purity and/or angular particle size, ungrounded high purityand/or high quality silica, −40+140 mesh, where uniform grain size andshape and chemical consistency are required, and ground silica, −200 tosub-micron size of high purity and quality. It is understood differentstyles, grades, shapes and colors may be utilized in a preferredembodiment.

In another preferred embodiment, silica flour or fused silica may beutilized such as but not limited to the product sold under the trademarkRANCO-SIL or RANCOSIL. As described by the manufacturer, RANCO-SIL fusedsilica is electrically fused high purity silica. Fused silica has a lowthermal conductivity and excellent thermal shock resistance. Theseproperties, along with its low density, make it an excellent refractoryfor use in a ceramic shell mold. RANCO-SIL fused silica is available inboth flour and granular forms. RANCO-SIL fused silica can be usedthroughout the ceramic shell. When used in the primary slurry it may benecessary to blend with zircon depending on the alloy. Shellsconstructed with fused silica hold their dimensions better and are notprone to hot deformation or bulging. Shell removal from casting, orknockout, is also easier with fused silica refractories.

Fused silica, SiO₂ is a noncrystalline (glass) form of silicon dioxide(quartz, sand), glasses, it lacks long range order in its atomicstructure. Its highly cross link dimensional structure gives rise to itshigh use temperature and low thermal coefficient. The key properties arenear zero thermal expansion, exceptionally good thermal shockresistance, very good chemical inertness, can be lapped and polished tofine finishes, low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, and good UVtransparency.

TYPICAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF RANCO-SIL FUSED SILICA Grains Flours Min.Max. Min. Max. % SiO₂ 99.7 99.7 AI₂O₃ — 1000 ppm — 3000* ppm Fe₂O₃ — 300ppm — 350 ppm CaO — 50 ppm — 50 ppm MgO — 50 ppm — 50 ppm Na₂O — 50 ppm— 50 ppm K₂O — 50 ppm — 50 ppm

TYPICAL GRADES PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SILICA SAND CoarseMedium Fine % Clay 0.15 0.18 0.29 % L.O.I. 0.058 0.072 0.085 pH 7 7.17.4 ADV 0.5 0.8 1.7 Grain Shape Rounded Rounded Rounded % SiO₂ 99.7599.65 99.51 % AI₂O₃ 0.055 0.065 0.12 % Fe₂O₃ 0.016 0.018 0.035 % TiO₂0.010 0.011 0.016 CaO 0.011 0.012 0.02 MgO 0.008 0.009 0.018

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SILICA FLOUR SiO₂ 99.3-99.4% AI₂O₃ 0.2-0.3% TiO₂0.045% Fe₂O₃  0.03-0.035% Cr₂O₃ 0.0004% CaO trace MgO trace

TECHNICAL DATA OF SILICA FLOUR Specific Gravity 2.65g/cm³ Hardness(Mohs) 7 Loss on Ignition 0.17% Brightness 85-86% Oil Absorption23g/100g

Another preferred construction includes a fiber component such as butnot limited to a monofilament. A preferred embodiment may include fibermanufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene. Furthermore, it may be afine denier fiber of ½ inch, although it is contemplated that ¾ inch maybe utilized. It is understood that other lengths greater, lesser, or inbetween the aforementioned may be contemplated. Still furthermore, it isalso understood that other fiber known in the industry as well asdifferent grades and composition may be utilized.

A preferred embodiment may include the following amounts and materials.It is understood that the following are amounts that generally comprisea total of 40 pounds and that the proportion and percentages may be usedfor other varying amounts of greater or lesser totals. Furthermore, thefollowing examples should not be considered limiting and that amountsmay be approximated, rounded off, or generally equivalent.

Example 1

Portland cement (grey) 22.80 lbs. Zonalite light weight aggregate 2.29lbs. 40/140 Silica Sand 8.57 lbs. Rancosil silica flour or fused silica6.28 lbs. ½″ Fiber 0.00357 lbs.

Example 2

Portland cement (grey) 25.20 lbs. Zonalite light weight aggregate 2.42lbs. 40/140 Silica Sand 9.08 lbs. Rancosil silica flour or fused silica3.332 lbs. ½″ Fiber .00428 lbs.

Example 3

Portland cement (white) 22.80 lbs. Zonalite light weight aggregate 2.29lbs. 40/140 Silica Sand 8.57 lbs. Rancosil silica flour or fused silica6.28 lbs. ½″ Fiber .00357 lbs.

Example 4

Portland cement (white) 25.20 lbs. Zonalite light weight aggregate 2.42lbs. 40/140 Silica Sand 9.08 lbs. Rancosil silica flour or fused silica3.332 lbs. ½″ Fiber .00428 lbs.

The above may generally be utilized with 1 to 2 gallons of a liquidsolution with it being understood that the amount may be more or less.The liquid solution may be a mix of liquid concentrated liquid polymerresin and water with a general ration of 4 parts water to 1 partpolymer. The liquid solution is then added to the above described andstirred, mixed or otherwise blended into a generally wet consistency ofwet mortar. More liquid solution or dry ingredients may be added asnecessary. A preferred embodiment is mixing, stirring or otherwiseblending for an approximate time of 3 to 5 minutes where it is alsocontemplated that more or less time may be used.

A preferred embodiment includes use of a liquid polymer resin sold underthe trademark STAMP STORE POLYMER which may also be used as a primer. Itis understood that other known concentrated polymers or primers in aliquid or non-liquid form may be used. Furthermore, the concrete polymermay be the chemical family of acrylic/vinyl acetate with a boiling pointabove 212 degrees Fahrenheit, vapor density and evaporation raterelatively the same as water, and be of a 45% volatility by weight.

System and/or Method of Use

In a preferred embodiment, the surface 70 to be decorated and or coveredmay first be generally prepared by cleaning, removing debris and soforth. Pre-mixing of the medium 60 components may also be achieved asgenerally described above.

It is contemplated that a first step may be the addition of a bond coatof a primer such as but not limited to a concentrated liquid polymer isapplied generally evenly to the surface and wherein the bond coat isallowed to generally become tacky. It is contemplated that theapplication may be utilized with known methods in the art such as butnot limited to rolling. It is further contemplated that the polymer isnon diluted but it is further contemplated that a diluted polymer may beutilized.

A scratch coat may then be utilized wherein a layer of the pre-preparedmedium is applied. Using such tools but not limited thereto, a hawkand/or trowel is used to apply a thin coat to generally achieve an evencoat. A preferred embodiment may be ⅛ of an inch thick but it isunderstood that more or less may be utilized. The coat is generallyallowed to dry or set.

A liquid release agent may then be applied such as but not limited tothe spraying of a liquid form of medium aliphatic solvent naphtha suchas sold under the trademark BUBBLEGUM sold by the STAMP STORE.

A preferred embodiment of the invention may then next include spreadingthe medium or material to a desired thickness. This may be accomplishedby use of a hawk or trowel but is not limited thereto. Desired thicknessmay be approximately ½ inch or less or greater than depending on thedesired decoration and depth of decoration. In a preferred method,decorating occurs before the material or becomes permanently set. It isfurther understood that after complete or near complete settings,alteration may be desired and accomplished by carving techniques knownin the art.

In a preferred embodiment, template may be utilized to createdemarcations such as those found in naturally laid or constructed walls,tiles, brickwork and so forth. While the medium is still generallydeformable, the template is pressed into the medium at the desiredlevel. The template may be over laid on existing imprints, decorationsand so forth. The template may be rotated and oriented to at generallyright angles to create non repeating patterns. It is contemplated thatthe template may need cleaning after an imprint into the medium of afterseveral imprints as medium may gather on the impression surface of thetemplate. An example of said invention is generally seen in FIG. 2.Likewise it is understood that the figure is for illustrative purposesand should not be considered limiting.

In another preferred embodiment, before the template is used, texturingmay be created on the surface of the applied medium. Known methods mayinclude stamps, texturing skins, designs, patterns, etc. It is furthercontemplated that such decorating techniques may be used after thetemplate is generally utilized. It is still further contemplated thatother known forms of coloring, decorating, and so forth may be achievedas known in the art.

As generally depicted in FIG. 5, tool 20 is shown making a starting,first pattern, impression, or desired decoration 80. It is to beunderstood that medium 60 may be shaped without a tool 20, imprint andso forth and be made into a desired decorative vertical surface.

It is contemplated that addition lines may applied within theimpressioned design to further create grout lines in a non repeating orrepeating manner as generally depicted in FIG. 6. Other known methodsmay further be used to create desired patterns. Desired decorativepattern 90 as depicted in FIG. 6 should not be considered limiting andis provided as an example of a preferred embodiment.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method fordecorating vertical surfaces may comprise the steps of providing amedium comprised of cement, a light weight aggregate, silica sand, fusedsilica, monofilament fine denier fiber, liquid polymer resin, and water;applying a bond coat of a primer made from concentrated liquid polymerto said vertical surface; allowing said bond coat to become tacky; andapplying said medium to said bond coat on said vertical surface. Themethod may further include the step of imprinting a design on saidmedium. Still further, the method may further include the steps ofallowing said medium to set forming a scratch coat; applying a liquidrelease agent to said scratch coat; applying said medium over saidliquid release agent; and decorating said medium on said verticalsurface.

Still further, the method may include a scratch coat of about ⅛ of aninch thick, the liquid release agent is a liquid form of mediumaliphatic solvent naphtha, applying said medium over said liquid releaseagent is applied about ½ inch thick. The method may include decoratingby including imprinting designs in said medium via a tool that creates afaux tile appearance

Changes may be made in the combinations, operations, and arrangements ofthe various parts and elements described herein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

1. An imprintable medium for decorating vertical surfaces comprising:cement; crushed coated mica; silica sand; fused silica; water;monofilament fiber; and liquid polymer resin; wherein said monofilamentfiber is manufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene and is about ½ inchin length.
 2. The medium of claim 1 wherein said cement is Portlandcement.
 3. The medium of claim 1 wherein said silica sand is 40/140silica sand.
 4. The medium of claim 1 wherein said fused silica iselectrically fused high purity silica.